Bigelow’s Seafood in Rockville Centre

Bigelow’s Seafood has been a mainstay of Long Island’s south shore since way back in 1939. Something of a relic around these parts, it’s known as one of the best spots in the area to get fresh seafood, fried clams and belly warming soup. It’s one of those restaurants that we always passed, swearing to go in the next time we were around. Thankfully, that visit just came. And it was worth the wait.

Bigelow’s was lucky enough to survive Hurricane Sandy, which devastated our area recently. Being that they’re located so close to both to Long Beach and Oceanside, two of the hardest hit areas, it was a miracle that they stayed open and undamaged. We were hearing reports that customers were walking from the worst areas immediately after the storm to take in a warm meal.

The restaurant is cash only, so be prepared to break out the wallet at the end of your meal (it will be a cheap meal, nonetheless). If you’re short on cash, there is an ATM machine in-house to build up those reserves once again. Bigelow’s is the perfect spot for all seasons. In the summer, it’s the perfect clam bar and in the winter, you can dodge the cold temperatures and the snow on the ground to come in and warm up with some amazing clam chowder soup. You can take pints of soup to go as well should you want to freeze a supply for the winter.

The Ipswich Fried Clam Bellies were freshly fried while we waited. These aren’t frozen clam bellies that were defrosted for our meal, they were prepared fresh and the taste and flavors really show it. It’s this extra step for the consumer that keeps them coming back time and again. It’s one of the most revered restaurants / clam bars on the island and we hope that it will stay that way for many years to come. You should definitely keep this on your “bucket list” of Long Island restaurants to try, at least once.

The absolute best seafood you will eat anytime!! The owners, staff are fantastic…they are always welcoming, extremely friendly and make you feel like family. If you have never gone…go….you will not be disappointed. GREAT…GREAT….GREAT!!